The statistics are startling. “About 50 percent of people that have a hip fracture, end up in a nursing home and so many will die early because of complications after that,” says Dr. Salvatore Lacagnina, Medical Director for Lee Physician Group.

Unfortunately, it’s cases like hip fractures that have shed light on a problem that so many women and men have, osteoporosis. “People with osteoporosis usually have the bone break before they fall, so it’s a misconception that they broke their hip because they fell. If you look at those individuals – they had weak bones in the first place – they put weight on the weak bone, it breaks, they fall down,” he explains.

There are many genetic factors as well as lifestyle habits that can contribute to osteoporosis. “If you have a family history, if you smoke, if you don’t do any weight bearing exercises, all those things set you up,” adds Dr. Lacagnina. Those without a family history have a chance of preventing osteoporosis.

Dr. Lacagnina adds it’s treatable if caught early. “The medications that are available today definitely will treat the bone and get it stronger again. In a few years, its probably going to be normal, so the medication is well worth the effort.”

Talking to your doctor about your risk is important to keeping fractures at bay. Often times, a simple bone density test can determine and measure the health of your bones.